Teenagers arrested over burglaries and car thefts in Southwater

Three 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old boy, all from Brighton, were questioned over the offences, which happened between September 4 and September 10.

There were two thefts from vehicles in College Road, one in Woodlands Way and an attempt to break into a garage in College Road in Southwater late on September 4 or early on September 5.

A home in Woodlands Way, Southwater, was broken into between 7.30am and 5.30pm on September 4, during which jewellery was stolen.

At 3.30am on September 5, a Kia Sportage and a Mitsubishi L200 were stolen from the driveway of a house in Woodlands Way after thieves broke into the home and stole the car keys.

In the early hours of September 10, a garage in College Road was broken into.

Two of the 18-year-old men were interviewed on suspicion of burglary and theft and released on bail until November 21.

The third 18-year-old was interviewed on suspicion of burglary and theft and released on bail until November 20.

The 17-year-old was interviewed on suspicion of burglary and theft and released on bail until November 4.

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.

Detective Constable Julie Chambers said: “Although we have made three arrests we still need to speak to anyone who could have information that could help with the investigation.

“If you saw or heard a group of men acting suspiciously in Southwater in the first few days of September or know anything about what happened please contact us.”

If you have any information about burglaries, call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

For crime prevention advice visit www.sussex.police.uk.

If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.

Residents can also being encouraged to register their items on the world's largest property database so that if they are stolen, they can be reunited with the owners and the offenders prosecuted.

You can register your property by visiting www.immobilise.com.